Melissa Monson’s Writing Portfolio | Content & Marketing Samples - Melissa Monson | Strategic Communications & Content

Where Communications, Strategy, & Creativity Meet

I'm a strategic communications professional specializing in healthcare and science communications, content strategy, and content design. I bring complex ideas to life through engaging storytelling, thoughtful strategy, and audience-focused content that informs, educates, and connects.

A note on Artificial Intelligence (AI): I use AI as an assistive technology for brainstorming, ideation, and exploring story structure. The writing, visuals, and creative work showcased here are my own, shaped by my professional expertise and editorial judgment.

Scroll down for a glimpse at my featured work.

Photo by Ann H on Pexels

Wooden blocks spelling out the word strategy

Format: Content Strategy Examples: Client: HHRI

Content Strategy

Explore how strategic content planning, audience-focused messaging, and thoughtful information architecture help organizations communicate more effectively and create meaningful digital experiences.

Photo by Walls.io on Pexels

desk or table with a pie chart, a keyboard, pens, dice, and a book on graphic design

Format: Content Design Examples | Client: HHRI

Content Design

Developed instructional content and digital learning experiences for HHRI, including an employee onboarding resource and a Microsoft Teams learning presentation, using annotated visuals, step-by-step guidance, and audience-focused content to make complex information accessible and easy to navigate.

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels

Neon lights in envelope shape

Format: Email Newsletters | Client: HHRI

Newsletter Strategy & Development

Created the first of its kind external newsletter in Constant Contact from the ground up in September 2024, setting up the 700+ person audience, developing the newsletter's design layout, acting as the lead writer, and serving as the newsletter editor.

Format: Data Storytelling | Client:: HHRI

Turning Healthcare Data into Community Impact

Explored how Minnesota's statewide healthcare data initiative is helping public health agencies identify community health trends, address disparities, and make more informed decisions through data-driven insights.

Healthcare & Science Communications | Client: HHRI

The Science of Saving Limbs: Advancing Frostbite Treatment - Melissa Monson | Strategic Communications & Content

Severe frostbite can lead to permanent tissue damage and even amputation, but timely treatment can make all the difference. This feature explores how research at Hennepin Healthcare is advancing frostbite care, from the development of an innovative tool to measure limb salvage outcomes to treatments that restore blood flow and help save limbs.

Adobe Stock Library: Maryna

3D anatomical heart illustration with glowing blood vessels. Heart rhythm, pulse highlighted by ECG line.

Format: Feature Profile | Client: HHRI

Dr. Fred Apple: Pioneer in Cardiac Diagnostic Biomarkers

This feature profile highlights the career legacy and scientific advancements of cardiovascular medicine researcher, Dr. Fred Apple. This story explores the groundbreaking discoveries and advancements of Dr. Fred Apple and the Cardiac Biomarkers Trial Lab (CBTL) in myocardial infarction (heart attack) diagnostic lab testing and improving patient care.

Adobe Stock Library: Zerbor

a nature landscape with a tree shaped as a woman, with the trunk underwater and the blooms as her hair

Format: Feature Profile | Client: HHRI

Healing Future Generations | Feature Story on Parenting & Mental Health

This feature profile highlights the trauma-informed work of Dr. Gretchen Buchanan at the Redleaf Center for Family Healing. It explores how perinatal and postnatal mental health, generational trauma, accessibility, and community outreach intersect with clinical insight to support new and expectant parents navigating emotional and social challenges.

Adobe Stock Library: kittipon

Vibrant, colorful, 3D illustration of the human brain's intricate neural network, showcasing glowing synapses, abstract shapes, and swirling patterns, symbolizing intelligence and cognitive function.

Format: Mini-series | Client: HHRI

Restoring Lives Through Science

This writing series captures how a small lab is making a big difference. The Restorative Neurotrauma Lab (RNL) is advancing care for patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) through cutting-edge neurotechnology, a commitment to transformative research, and a deep belief in the strength of human resilience.

Photo by Dr. Kristina Burrack

Photograph taken by Dr. Kristina Burrack of penguins in Antarctica

Format: Campaign | Client: HHRI

Telling Her Story: A Multi-Year Campaign on Women in STEMM, Leadership, and Antarctica

This multi-year campaign followed malaria and immunology researcher Dr. Kristina Burrack as she embarked on the year-long Women in STEMM leadership program, Homeward Bound. One year later, I explored the insights and growth she gained throughout the journey. The campaign culminates with a two-week expedition to Antarctica alongside more than 100 female scientists.